Singer Shreya Ghoshal, PETA India and CUPA Gift a Mechanical Elephant to Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath, Sirigere – Unveiled by BJP State President MLA Sri B. Y. Vijayendra
A life-size mechanical elephant gifted by renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal, PETA India and Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) named Shiva Kunjara was officially inaugurated at Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath. The mechanical elephant was unveiled by Bharatiya Janta Party State President and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Shikaripura, Sri B. Y Vijayendra, in the presence of Member of Parliament, Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun; MLA of Harihar Sri B. P. Harish; former Member of Parliament, Sri G. M. Siddeshwara; and Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University, Prof. Sharath Ananthamurthy. The inauguration was followed by a cultural programme.
This new mechanical elephant, Shiva Kunjara, is a landmark fourteenth robot donated to temples by PETA India and the sixth in Karnataka.
The Matha previously owned two elephants- Bhavani and Gowri- both of whom passed away due to health problems. In recognition of the Matha’s progressive decision to never own or hire live elephants, the mechanical elephant donation was facilitated on the 34th Shraddhanjali ceremony of Shrimad Ujjaini Saddharma Simhasanādheesha Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Sri 1108 Lingaikya Sri Shivakumara Shivacharya Mahaswamiji. Shiva Kunjara will be used to conduct ceremonies at the temple in a safe and cruelty-free manner, helping real elephants stay with their families in the jungle. PETA India has donated five mechanical elephants in Karnataka, including to the Muzrai Department-governed Yediyur Sri Siddalingeshwara Swamy Temple, of which four were in collaboration with CUPA.
“I feel immense joy to have partnered with PETA India and CUPA to present Shiva Kunjara to the revered Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath. Mechanical elephant Shiva Kunjara exists to allow devotion to progress and to bring harmony to animals’ lives. I envision a future in which elephants roam freely rather than being tethered and where our traditions resonate with compassion and understanding.” – Shreya Ghoshal, Singer
“The inauguration of this mechanical elephant at the revered Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath is a historic moment that blends tradition with compassion. Karnataka has always been a land of progressive values, and this step ensures our cultural practices continue while protecting elephants in the wild. I congratulate the Matha, Singer Shreya Ghoshal, PETA India, and CUPA for leading by example and showing the nation that devotion and kindness can go hand in hand.” – Sri B. Y Vijayendra, State President of BJP and MLA of Shikaripura
“To commemorate Srimadujjayini Sathdharma Simhasanadheeshwara Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Sri 1108 Lingaikya Sri Shivakumara Shivacharya Mahaswamigala 34th Year Shraddhanjali, on behalf of the Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath, I am humbled to welcome Shiva Kunjara, the mechanical elephant, into our sacred ceremonies. This gift will allow us to uphold our rich traditions while showing compassion towards elephants. Our faith teaches us that true devotion is rooted in kindness, and with Shiva Kunjara leading our processions, our celebrations will reflect the true spirit of devotion and kindness.” – Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Sri 1108
Elephants are extremely clever, active, and gregarious wild animals. In captivity, they are trained to be used in processions through beatings and the use of weapons. Many elephants held captive in temples and other places suffer from extremely painful foot problems and leg wounds due to being chained on concrete for hours on end. Most of them are denied adequate food, water, veterinary care, and any semblance of a natural life. Under these hellish conditions, many elephants become intensely frustrated and lash out, sometimes killing mahouts or other humans. According to figures compiled by the Heritage Animal Task Force, captive elephants killed 526 people in Kerala in a 15-year period. Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran, who has been in captivity for about 40 years and is one of the most often used elephants in Kerala’s festival circuit, has reportedly killed 13 individuals – six mahouts, four women, and three elephants.
PETA India ignited the sympathetic movement to replace live elephants in temples at the beginning of 2023. Now, more than twenty mechanical elephants are used in temples across South India. PETA India has been involved with the donation of fourteen to recognise the temples’ decisions to never own or hire live elephants.
Mechanical elephants are 3 meters tall and weigh 800 kilograms. They are made with rubber, fibre, metal, mesh, foam, and steel and run on five motors. A mechanical elephant looks, feels, and can be used like a real elephant. It can shake its head, move its ears and eyes, swish its tail, lift its trunk, and even spray water. They can be climbed upon, and a seat can be affixed on the back. They can be operated simply by plugging and playing with electricity. They can be taken through the streets and are mounted on a wheelbase, allowing them to be moved and pushed around for rituals and processions.
Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath, Sirigere, is a centuries-old spiritual and social institution rooted in the teachings of Basavanna and Sri Marulasiddha. Guided by His Holiness Sri 1108 Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, the Matha is known for its progressive values, including compassion, equality, and education. It runs over 275 educational institutions across Karnataka and has long championed social reforms and ethical practices.
